BajaNomad

Why Isn't Rosarito a Vacation Destination?

Gypsy Jan - 3-20-2012 at 04:28 PM

OK, I know, drug cartels, violence, yada, yada, yada.

The city has been cleaned up, the hotels are well maintained with good security. the tourist police are on the street 24/7.

Our friends in Rosarito say they feel safe.

[Edited on 3-21-2012 by Gypsy Jan]

rose

captkw - 3-20-2012 at 04:51 PM

HOLA, my two centovo's is that it too cold in the winter !! just keep driving sur and it gets warmer and warmer.. K&T

Vatcaon ?

MrBillM - 3-20-2012 at 05:23 PM

Would that be for Dyslexic Catholics who can't afford traveling to Rome ?

J.P. - 3-20-2012 at 05:25 PM

#1 reason the Black Eye it got when things were really Bad.
Decapitations of Police ,Police Chief Murdered,Crooked Police Dept and the list goes onnnnnnnnnnnnnnn.:barf::barf::barf:

805gregg - 3-20-2012 at 05:40 PM

The auto theft capitol of Baja and the need for Tourist Police at all.

willardguy - 3-20-2012 at 05:41 PM

vacation destination for who? If you're a young party type (and god bless you) its too expensive plus the border crap. anyone else, theres nothing to do here:rolleyes:

Marc - 3-20-2012 at 05:57 PM

Cold and damp.

Woooosh - 3-20-2012 at 06:03 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Gypsy Jan
OK, I know, drug cartels, violence, yada, yada, yada.

The city has been cleaned up, the hotels are well maintained with good security. the tourist police are on the street 24/7.

Our friends in Rosarito say they feel safe.


Talk about good bait Jan...

The economy, the price of gas, no perception of value, many boarded up storefronts and Clubs currently create an atmosphere of blight in the tourist zone, the passport requirement, plus the gas-guzzling wait at the border to get back home for day trippers.

Rosarito doesn't really feel like Mexico any more with all the Americanizations (MacDonalds, Burger King, Subway, Domino's Pizza, Walmart, Smart & Final, Home Depot- you get the point). It grew in a way that did not protect the image it wanted tourists to perceive it to be. It lost it's appeal for lack of a city master plan and the will to follow it. It hasn't even developed it's downtown beachfront, which most walkable beach cities use as their focal point.

The food draw was the Puerto Nuevo lobster and the same brothers that own the two Ortega's in Mexico have a copy in San Diego. It's a tough sell right now because it was mostly people driving down from San Diego. The Spring Break bus torus didn't even market Rosarito much this year. The warmer Mexican destinations you fly to are faring much better than Rosarito.

It was the perfect storm for Rosarito's tailspin to blight. The crime didn't help- but it was the other things as well. You can trust the Tourist Police. It's the "real police" here I worry about. The Marines are all around town now and will treat a white person fine.

San Diegans do not currently value Mexico right now, certaily not as much as Rosarito Beach thinks they do or should (see Union Trib link). San Diegans have too much else going on right now and was one of the hardest hit areas for loss of home value. Give it time.

http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/mar/11/tp-san-diegans-we...

" ... San Diego’s attitude toward the Mexican border, binational culture and cross-border commerce. Asked to rank the importance of the region’s Spanish and Mexican heritage and “binational arts culture and experiences,” only 9 percent felt that was the most important priority when it comes to culture and community. The same low percentage liked the idea of creating a “cross-border mega-region” as part of economic development. "

jmho

desertcpl - 3-20-2012 at 07:11 PM

I will input some thing here

Rosarito was a vacation destination years ago big time ,

go back to 20 years and more, that whole area from TJ to Ensenada ( the Gold Coast) was full of tourists, heck you could hardly get a room on the weekends

Islandbuilder - 3-20-2012 at 08:08 PM

Some San Diego friends just rented a house in Rosarito for a vacation. They had a great time, and will be back.

Things have changed for those of you who have visited or lived in Northern Baja for decades, and you lament those changes. But the new guys have no idea what it used to be, and so don't miss it. They're happy with what is, and will come back and bring their friends next time.

[Edited on 3-21-2012 by Islandbuilder]

J.P. - 3-20-2012 at 08:17 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Islandbuilder
Some San Diego friends just rented a house in Rosarita for a vacation. They had a great time, and will be back.

Things have changed for those of you who have visited or lived in Northern Baja for decades, and you lament those changes. But the new guys have no idea what it used to be, and so don't miss it. They're happy with what is, and will come back and bring their friends next time.











Your right I have to remind myself ouite often

The only way to cope with change is to become part of it.

Ken Cooke - 3-20-2012 at 08:48 PM

There was a time when I LIVED for my weekends in Tijuana and Rosarito!



mtgoat666 - 3-20-2012 at 10:16 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Gypsy Jan
Why Isn't Rosarito a Vacation Destination?


it's just not very appealing to vacationers.

what makes you think it would be appealing choice for vacation?

rosarito and border region will never attract far away visitors, so has to attract southern californians. the US government (and mexico) make the border crossing and traffic so miserable that it deters southern californians from visiting.

sentri makes border more palatable for frequent crossers, but infrequent crossers are stuck with gauntlet thru he11, so do the trip once and then vow to never return...

[Edited on 3-21-2012 by mtgoat666]

[Edited on 3-21-2012 by mtgoat666]

SDRonni - 3-20-2012 at 10:38 PM

My family and I love it!

mes1952 - 3-21-2012 at 08:17 AM

As a single female under age 60 who has lived in Tijuana and now in Rosarito for 5 months, I will definitely move back to TJ in the winter. The problem for a person under age 60 who is not married/attached is there is little to do here except walk on the beach and/or drink in the bars which is what most single Americans do here. Except on Friday/Saturday nights, the streets close up at 8:00pm; many restaurants close at 6:00pm weekdays. There is just not much to do here and not a lot of single people American or Mexican. And the single people here are 9/10 age 65+. I don't find the weather that appealing in the winter; there's too much wind here and it's usually cold. And prices in general from American restaurants to hotel rooms to souvenir shops continue to be over-inflated. Most of the hotels here are unoccupied but the continue to charge $80/night for a room. You can be assured that any establishment here that is American-owned is going to be 20%+ more expensive than a Mexican business.

[Edited on 3-21-2012 by mes1952]

DianaT - 3-21-2012 at 09:29 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by J.P.
Quote:
Originally posted by Islandbuilder
Some San Diego friends just rented a house in Rosarita for a vacation. They had a great time, and will be back.

Things have changed for those of you who have visited or lived in Northern Baja for decades, and you lament those changes. But the new guys have no idea what it used to be, and so don't miss it. They're happy with what is, and will come back and bring their friends next time.











Your right I have to remind myself ouite often

The only way to cope with change is to become part of it.


:yes::yes: If there was a "like" button for both of these comments, I would click on it.

[Edited on 3-21-2012 by DianaT]

Ensenada

bajaguy - 3-21-2012 at 09:30 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by mes1952
As a single female under age 60 who has lived in Tijuana and now in Rosarito for 5 months, I will definitely move back to TJ in the winter. The problem for a person under age 60 who is not married/attached is there is little to do here except walk on the beach and/or drink in the bars which is what most single Americans do here. Except on Friday/Saturday nights, the streets close up at 8:00pm; many restaurants close at 6:00pm weekdays. There is just not much to do here and not a lot of single people American or Mexican. And the single people here are 9/10 age 65+. I don't find the weather that appealing in the winter; there's too much wind here and it's usually cold. And prices in general from American restaurants to hotel rooms to souvenir shops continue to be over-inflated. Most of the hotels here are unoccupied but the continue to charge $80/night for a room. You can be assured that any establishment here that is American-owned is going to be 20%+ more expensive than a Mexican business.

[Edited on 3-21-2012 by mes1952]





Check out Ensenada......plenty to do socially, civic events, shopping......if you can't find anything to do here or anybody to do it with, you are not looking.

DENNIS - 3-21-2012 at 09:44 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by mes1952
Most of the hotels here are unoccupied but they continue to charge $80/night for a room.


If the economy gets any worse, that price will keep going up. It's a Mexican business plan thing.

Woooosh - 3-21-2012 at 09:56 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by mes1952
As a single female under age 60 who has lived in Tijuana and now in Rosarito for 5 months, I will definitely move back to TJ in the winter. The problem for a person under age 60 who is not married/attached is there is little to do here except walk on the beach and/or drink in the bars which is what most single Americans do here. Except on Friday/Saturday nights, the streets close up at 8:00pm; many restaurants close at 6:00pm weekdays. There is just not much to do here and not a lot of single people American or Mexican. And the single people here are 9/10 age 65+. I don't find the weather that appealing in the winter; there's too much wind here and it's usually cold. And prices in general from American restaurants to hotel rooms to souvenir shops continue to be over-inflated. Most of the hotels here are unoccupied but the continue to charge $80/night for a room. You can be assured that any establishment here that is American-owned is going to be 20%+ more expensive than a Mexican business.

[Edited on 3-21-2012 by mes1952]

Welcome to the board.

I have a single female American neighbor about your age who is a navy retiree. She says she is just so "all alone" here now that most of her girlfriends have moved away. She was involved in the theater group but says that is no longer her thing. She loves her house and says it is the first time in her life she has been able to call one place "home" for this long (6 years), and she doesn't want to leave it. A single lady in Mexico can't hang out in bars to meet friends and bars aren't her thing. There have been a lot of Americans moving back north and she feels left behind. I didn't know what to tell her except to keep looking for ways to meet nice people. She loves to paint.

The weather is what the weather is in Baja Norte- about 65 degrees year around at the coast. Colder when it rains, warmer when a Santa Ana comes through.

Maybe the FRAO office could find a way to help the expat community come together, but they do sponsor a lot of events already and there's only so much you can do to get people involved.

Try this

bajaguy - 3-21-2012 at 10:09 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by mes1952
As a single female under age 60 who has lived in Tijuana and now in Rosarito for 5 months, I will definitely move back to TJ in the winter. The problem for a person under age 60 who is not married/attached is there is little to do here except walk on the beach and/or drink in the bars which is what most single Americans do here. Except on Friday/Saturday nights, the streets close up at 8:00pm; many restaurants close at 6:00pm weekdays. There is just not much to do here and not a lot of single people American or Mexican. And the single people here are 9/10 age 65+. I don't find the weather that appealing in the winter; there's too much wind here and it's usually cold. And prices in general from American restaurants to hotel rooms to souvenir shops continue to be over-inflated. Most of the hotels here are unoccupied but the continue to charge $80/night for a room. You can be assured that any establishment here that is American-owned is going to be 20%+ more expensive than a Mexican business.

[Edited on 3-21-2012 by mes1952]





http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=58808

sancho - 3-21-2012 at 10:21 AM

Vacation destination? I live 75 mi no. of San Ysidro,
back in the day, we would go to Rene's/ El Nido/ Rosarito
Hotel for the weekend.
But I would never put Rosarito/Vacation in the
same sentence, the beaches are not attractive,
I don't see what would draw people, I do
see it as a weekend spot, or even a retirement
spot due to the afforadability

Woooosh - 3-21-2012 at 10:48 AM

I just sent my friend the link to the Ladies Lunch group, thanks Bajaguy.

mes1952 - 3-22-2012 at 08:42 AM

There is also a disconnect between the retirees living here and those expats (such as me) who are still working and cannot afford to retire or not at the age for retirement.
Unfortunately most of these "social groups" involve spending considerable $$ to join such as these luncheons groups and there are always too many females.
And living in Ensenada for most of us still working in the U.S. is NOT an option due to the distance. I've come to the conclusion that I need to move back to Tijuana as everywhere farther south is too limited in activities for singles unless you plan to spend time in the few expat bars which is not for me.

JoeJustJoe - 3-22-2012 at 12:47 PM

Frontera had a news story that the spring breakers weren't coming to Rosarito. The article puts much of the blame on the U.S travel warnings, although they did cite the violence that exists in Mexico.

The tourist officials also blame the lack of marketing to the Baja area, because most of the marketing effort is now directed at places like Cancun, LosCabos, and other tourists hot spots.

It's a very long article:

http://www.frontera.info/EdicionEnLinea/Notas/Noticias/17032...

In my opinion it's not the end of the world spring breakers aren't coming to Mexico in large numbers like before. Spring breakers usually don't have much money, and are just to rowdy.

Palm Springs years ago put to the 'not wanted" sign to spring breakers, and the spring breakers haven't been back since.

Barry A. - 3-22-2012 at 12:58 PM

Quote:

Palm Springs years ago put to the 'not wanted" sign to spring breakers, and the spring breakers haven't been back since.


-------and Newport Beach before that-------"Spring Breaker's" are not worth the hassle, apparently.

Barry

Woooosh - 3-22-2012 at 12:58 PM

Most, if not all of the marketing for Spring Break Rosarito was done by the hotels and nightclubs themselves. Iggy pulled the marketing plug a few years ago and no one has taken up the slack since. Rosarito is more interested in paving all the rural roads that lead to nowhere- than marketing itslef. Perhaps that is because there is a special gov't agency for the promotion of tourism. Not sure.

[Edited on 3-22-2012 by Woooosh]

dtutko1 - 3-22-2012 at 02:25 PM

We are renting a house in Las Gaviotas in July for a family vacation. Wish us luck!

Woooosh - 3-22-2012 at 02:45 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Barry A.
Quote:

Palm Springs years ago put to the 'not wanted" sign to spring breakers, and the spring breakers haven't been back since.


-------and Newport Beach before that-------"Spring Breaker's" are not worth the hassle, apparently.

Barry

That is easier for Palm Springs and Newport Beach to say than for Rosarito. Spring Break was their bread and butter of Rosarito tourism and was the best word-of-mouth advertising to keep Rosarito Beach tourism going through the rest of the summer.

Don't shoot the messenger on this and I have no empirical evidence to back it up- But I think spring breakers spent more money per person in Rosarito than the Mexican tourists that are now the main customers. Everyone love to hate the Spring Breakers when they were, but now many clubs and bars in that area have closed since they have left. Baja is working hard to be a food and wine destination which will help the area a lot, but not the downtown Rosarito Tourist area than was designed for a very different demographic- that no longer exists, at least right now.

Bajahowodd - 3-22-2012 at 04:08 PM

Fascinating posts that contain many truths.

Rosarito is suffering for myriad reasons.

As for the spring break thing, how does one reconcile the fact that even with all the bad publicity Mexico has, in some cases rightfully endured, Cancun is this year's number one spring break destination, despite the huge cost of getting there; not to mention hotel and restaurant prices.

I do believe that Rosarito's plight is a combination of many of the factors cited by previous posters.

Sure, the weather is not particularly inviting this time of year when the youngsters want to hang out on the beach.

But in my opinion, even as the crime/ drug war issues fade, the passport requirement and the border return hassle will continue to dampen enthusiasm for the area.

I think that, if and when there exists an overall feeling of safety in Mexico, especially in the border regions, Rosarito's best shot is for full or part time living, especially if rents and real estate prices are reasonable.

gallesram - 3-22-2012 at 04:25 PM

We had largely given up on Rosarito and the surrounding area many years ago since it seemed to be full of unsavory Americans from Riverside, San Bernardino, etc. who got drunk and obnoxious. I think the long border waits have really discouraged that group (and others) from coming down (along with the negative media reports).

We discovered a condo for rent at one of the high-rises (Club Marena) and decided to check it out; we went to El Nido for dinner one night, La Estancia the other night. Hung by the pool during the day, went down to La Fonda for drinks, Halfway House for lunch, etc.; we wondered "why haven't we done this sooner?" Granted, we have SENTRI so the return is a breeze, but I was encouraged to see that the really bad element of Americans was not in Rosarito anymore (some of those Americans worried me more than any of the locals; they'd get drunk, you'd look at them the wrong way and next think you knew you were being accosted; forget it).

Maybe with a clean slate the area can start to attract a better element of tourist; the food/wine tourist would be a great demographic. You can't beat the beautiful coastline and the proximity to San Diego. The feel of being outside the US is what attracted us to Rosarito years ago and it still does.

Woooosh - 3-22-2012 at 04:53 PM

Great posts gallesram and Bajahowodd. Not many people beat up the Rosarito expats as being unsavory white thrash from Riverside and San Bernardino... so keep your head low for a few days. True though. :)

Did eating off all those metal plates, cups, etc. bother you at La Estancia? Drives me nuts. Same as the little plastic ones they put on your plates at El Nido - no sub for a proper ramekin in a nice restaurant. Sorry.. I digress.

toneart - 3-22-2012 at 05:15 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by dtutko1
We are renting a house in Las Gaviotas in July for a family vacation. Wish us luck!


Some friends, restaurant owners from Grass Valley, CA were just there and are planning to return to Las Gaviotas to rent. They are retirement age and their grown children and grand children have been groomed to take over the restaurant. :)

LaPazGringo - 3-23-2012 at 05:49 AM

The beaches suck. Bigtime. Raw sewage, hawkers, broken tequila bottles, crippled horses, dog poop, and ice cold, dark water. That's why we aren't interested and there's no way we're alone. Not to mention that when we last went for a weekend (about 5 yrs ago), there was no cheap beer, food or rooms of any quality.

DENNIS - 3-23-2012 at 06:21 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by LaPazGringo
Not to mention that when we last went for a weekend (about 5 yrs ago), there was no cheap beer,


Really?? Was there supposed to be cheap beer? :?:

LaPazGringo - 3-23-2012 at 07:00 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by DENNIS
Quote:
Originally posted by LaPazGringo
Not to mention that when we last went for a weekend (about 5 yrs ago), there was no cheap beer,


Really?? Was there supposed to be cheap beer? :?:



If one can get copious amounts of dirt-cheap beer in Las Vegas, one should be able to get it in a dump like Rosarito.

DENNIS - 3-23-2012 at 07:39 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by LaPazGringo

If one can get copious amounts of dirt-cheap beer in Las Vegas, one should be able to get it in a dump like Rosarito.


I don't think we're talking about the same business plan. In LV, the beer is paid for in other ways. Not so in Rob-me-arito.
Believe me....I'm not defending anything that is done in Rosarito.....right or wrong.

LaPazGringo - 3-23-2012 at 07:53 AM

I understand what you're saying, Dennis. So I guess the question becomes what product does Rosarito have to offer? Absolutely zilch for me. Why would I drive my family from the clean(er) beachs of SoCal where I can get a good value on food and lodging to stay in Rosarito at Festival Plaza and eat at El Nido?

mes1952 - 3-23-2012 at 08:02 AM

One thing I can say for Rosarito for me being a pet parent is that the beaches are great for dogs. I live in the Quinta del Mar which is a great place to live if you have pets and you can walk your dogs on a private street to the beach entrance. Also the security there is great and I feel safe walking my dogs after 10:00pm in the evening.
The downside, as mentioned previously, is that there just is not much to do here in terms of affordable activities that doesn't cost an arm or leg and if these are available they are not promoted. It seems all the promotions you find on the web are the high end high cost ones. I think perhaps for me being a full time resident who still works in the U.S. is to live in Tijuana in the winter after the summer boredom has worn off living in Rosarito.

DENNIS - 3-23-2012 at 08:14 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by LaPazGringo
So I guess the question becomes what product does Rosarito have to offer?


The best part of Rosarito for me is the Toll Road that goes through it. I'm not speaking for others and I know folks who have a happy life there, but for me, it's not what I want.

gallesram - 3-23-2012 at 09:04 AM

Woooosh, funny that you mentioned those things about El Nido and La Estancia; didn't bother me, actually. We found the food to be very good at both spots (as well as Halfway House) and actually felt safer than during past visits when people were very drunk & rowdy.

FYI, just so there's no misunderstanding, I wasn't referring to expats who are living in Rosarito; the element that I was referencing was clearly a weekend crowd who seemed to be looking for trouble. I remember taking my 14-year old nephew down there for his first visit to Mexico and being confronted by some drunken Americans who were clearly visiting for the weekend and trying to pick a fight. That was almost 10 years ago and I swore I'd never return; who wants to deal with that on vacation? I deal with enough jerks during the work week! That was until last December when we discovered the condo at Club Marena and have been back twice since.

Strangely, I found the crowd in Rosarito to be worse than in Tijuana; I assumed that it was because the TJ people were just there for the evening, but the Rosarito people were there for the weekend. Maybe staying in a hotel made them feel that they were more at "home" and could be more obnoxious; who knows. I'm just pointing out that this unsavory weekend crowd (again, not referring to the residents) seems to have disappeared and that gives Rosarito a chance to reinvent itself when the economy picks up and people start coming back.

Wrong place to stay and eat...

EnsenadaDr - 3-23-2012 at 09:09 AM

Someone has steered you way wrong. I lived in Rosarito Beach for about 4 years. El Nido was the biggest rip off joint in the town. My ex husband and I had many enjoyable days with our daughter on the beach (Yes, there are some nice areas of Rosarito) and there are plenty of places you can get a cheap beer. Hotel Festival is also a dump...I wouldn't give my dog a room there. Eat at Vince's, the best seafood in town, and stay in Calafia or in the Rosarito Beach Hotel. There are a few areas where the beach has sewage, but there are many stretches of beautiful, uncrowded clean beach. SoCal's beaches are swamped. My son surfs La Jolla CA beach regularly and darn if he doesn't get a sore throat or get a respiratory infection from the pollution in those waters. We lived there in 2006, when Playboy Magazine rated Rosarito the Spring Break Capital of the World...you couldn't even walk the streets then. Lupita's gives the best pedicures I have ever had, and actually takes a razor to those calluses with expertise. I still go back and visit my friend Marilyn on the beach, and her stretch is uncrowded and quiet, with a gorgeous sunset every night.
Quote:
Originally posted by LaPazGringo
I understand what you're saying, Dennis. So I guess the question becomes what product does Rosarito have to offer? Absolutely zilch for me. Why would I drive my family from the clean(er) beachs of SoCal where I can get a good value on food and lodging to stay in Rosarito at Festival Plaza and eat at El Nido?

Woooosh - 3-23-2012 at 09:37 AM

You are right that you can have a great vacation in Rosarito if you stay at Club Marena or similar accommodations. There are islands of civility and exclusivity in Rosarito, but they do come with a price comparable to SoCal hotels. You can have a great vacation in Jamaica too if you don't leave your Hotel compound. Rosarito is unable to support more upscale hideaways- there are 17 unfinished ones due to lack of demand and their out-of-whack price tags.

My suggestions for Rosarito is to embrace it as the birthplace of the $1 Fish Taco, not $20 deep fried frozen lobster. Let the Guadalupe wine region cater to the higher end foodies and wine gurus where they are already doing a great a job. In this tough economy the downtown tourist area of Rosarito needs it's tourism to be rebuilt from the bottom price rungs up- not from the top down. Make it cheap, make it a value and go for volume, not fleece the few with deeper pockets. Mexican tourists stay at the many decent 250 peso per night motels downtown, not the $250 a night Rosarito Beach Hotel.

btw- Cheap food and drink for all in Vegas went away when "player club" programs were developed in the 90's to reward loyal players based on their tracked play, not just for walking in their door. Drinks are free when you play- but the days of the $1 Prime Rib Buffet loss-leaders are long gone.

(I agree Vincent's is very good. I like the food at La Estancia too, just not eating off metal plates. I buy my fish and clams from a neighbor who catches them right out front of my house. I'd rather eat a Rosarito fresh fish or clam than a piece of Talapia from the Chula Vista Costco that was farm raised with hormones in the polluted aquaculture ponds of Vietnam. I make baked-stuffed clams and deep fry whole fish almost every week. )

[Edited on 3-23-2012 by Woooosh]

Negativity...

EnsenadaDr - 3-23-2012 at 09:48 AM

I have just about had it with negativity, if people don't like Baja and want to stay in their own little sterile environment in the United States, then why bother posting here. Its people like these that cause tourism to go down in Mexico. Mexico is a third world country. You have to realize that before you even come here, so if you don't like things that aren't done like the US...don't even bother coming. I love the US for its perks too, but every place has their diamonds and diamonds in the rough.
Quote:
Originally posted by Woooosh
You are right that you can have a great vacation in Rosarito if you stay at Club Marena or similar accommodations. There are islands of civility and exclusivity in Rosarito, but they do come with a price comparable to SoCal hotels. You can have a great vacation in Jamaica too if you don't leave your Hotel compound. Rosarito is unable to support more upscale hideaways- there are 17 unfinished ones due to lack of demand and their out-of-whack price tags.

My suggestions for Rosarito is to embrace it as the birthplace of the $1 Fish Taco, not $20 deep fried frozen lobster. Let the Guadalupe wine region cater to the higher end foodies and wine gurus where they are already doing a great a job. In this tough economy the downtown tourist area of Rosarito needs it's tourism to be rebuilt from the bottom price rungs up- not from the top down. Make it cheap, make it a value and go for volume, not fleece the few with deeper pockets. Mexican tourists stay at the many decent 250 peso per night motels downtown, not the $250 a night Rosarito Beach Hotel.

btw- Cheap food and drink for all in Vegas went away when "player club" programs were developed in the 90's to reward loyal players based on their tracked play, not just for walking in their door. Drinks are free when you play- but the days of the $1 Prime Rib Buffet loss-leaders are long gone.

(I agree Vincent's is very good. I like the food at La Estancia too, just not eating off metal plates. I buy my fish and clams from a neighbor who catches them right out front of my house. I'd rather eat a Rosarito fresh fish or clam than a piece of Talapia from the Chula Vista Costco that was farm raised with hormones in the polluted aquaculture ponds of Vietnam. I make baked-stuffed clams and deep fry whole fish almost every week. )

[Edited on 3-23-2012 by Woooosh]

gallesram - 3-23-2012 at 10:01 AM

Just in case anyone is interested, I have posted a link below where we stay at Club Marena; the owner offers 50% specials during the off-season, so we get a 2-bedroom condo above the crashing waves with unreal views for 75/night. No way we could anything close in SoCal.

http://www.vrbo.com/323456

Woooosh, I totally agree with you; let the Guadalupe Valley develop its higher-end clientelle, and let Rosarito cater to a lower price-point. Frankly, that would give the higher-end foodies a good reason to visit a more "authentic" Mexican experience (in comparison). I think San Felipe used to do a good job catering to that type of tourist; haven't been there for a long time since we usually bite the bullet and go to Mulege (my very favorite place in Baja) if we have the time.

DENNIS - 3-23-2012 at 10:25 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by gallesram
so we get a 2-bedroom condo above the crashing waves with unreal views for 75/night. No way we could anything close in SoCal.



Would you stay up there instead if you could? Not trying to be snarky....just asking out of curiosity.

Great!!!

EnsenadaDr - 3-23-2012 at 10:26 AM

You know what, you must have been reading my mind. I have been wanting to do that for years...in fact last week on my way to the states I looked over at the twin towers and was wondering if I could rent a condo there..I will call ASAP...thanks so much!!!
Quote:
Originally posted by gallesram
Just in case anyone is interested, I have posted a link below where we stay at Club Marena; the owner offers 50% specials during the off-season, so we get a 2-bedroom condo above the crashing waves with unreal views for 75/night. No way we could anything close in SoCal.

http://www.vrbo.com/323456

Woooosh, I totally agree with you; let the Guadalupe Valley develop its higher-end clientelle, and let Rosarito cater to a lower price-point. Frankly, that would give the higher-end foodies a good reason to visit a more "authentic" Mexican experience (in comparison). I think San Felipe used to do a good job catering to that type of tourist; haven't been there for a long time since we usually bite the bullet and go to Mulege (my very favorite place in Baja) if we have the time.

gallesram - 3-23-2012 at 10:53 AM

Dr., you'll really love it; owner is great to deal with and with that price, you can't beat it! If you end up going let me know what you think.

Dennis, I think it depends on what you're looking for (or in the mood for); if I'm looking for a beach experience right on the water, I don't know where I could find something comparable in SoCal so for the price, so I'd probably choose the condo anythime. That isn't to say I would always choose the condo over La Jolla or Coronado, for example; just depends on what I'm in the mood for.

I guess the point was that this experience clearly rivals anything in SoCal and sometimes exceeds it. I would not have guessed that until I actually stayed there a few times. We'll probably go back again before the season starts, too. And each time we go, we venture into Rosarito and look for something different (last time was La Estancia, a first), which is what prompted me to post in this thread.

Bajafun777 - 3-23-2012 at 11:09 AM

When we leave Las Gaviotas just outside of Rosarito at the end of October we find ourselves missing Baja until we return in June. We have been doing this the past couple of years and plan to keep doing it. My wife found a great painting teacher in Rosarito that has her own studio. In fact the lady use to go to the Catholic school in Calexico but lived in Mexicali with her family. Very nice lady and my wife will continue her studies with her in June and she charges very little for the 4 times a month she teaches and give assignments of painting things for review and assistance each week at her studio. We have also convinced more of our friends to come down and even more this year so good times await us again. Of course we drive all over Baja and mainland Mexico all the way down to Puerto Vallarte so the fear fact goes away when using common sense driving and doing things in Mexico.
I have found several friends as my wife has in the Las Gaviotas community and we enjoy going to the local fundraisers for kids and schools in the area. We also go to different places to eat and enjoy Splash, Ruben's Twin Palms, Boddy;s, Estancia, and several other places in downtown Rosarito. Have friends in Baja Malibu I visit and do some off road adventures and now with my Jeep back up and running will explore even more this year. We also enjoy the grreat motorcycle rides we have on the Baja travels. Just a different type of FUN hunting than when we did 40 years ago as kids in Baja but we still enjoy dancing together, walking on the beach and just enjoying our times together all GOOD here, LOL. Take Care & Travel Safe---"No Hurry, No Worry, Just FUN' bajafun777

LaPazGringo - 3-23-2012 at 11:18 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by EnsenadaDr
I have just about had it with negativity, if people don't like Baja and want to stay in their own little sterile environment in the United States, then why bother posting here. Its people like these that cause tourism to go down in Mexico. Mexico is a third world country. You have to realize that before you even come here, so if you don't like things that aren't done like the US...don't even bother coming. I love the US for its perks too, but every place has their diamonds and diamonds in the rough.


If it's okay with you, I'll keep living here in La Paz, okay? ;D The specific topic of this discussion is not "what do you love about Rosarito?" It's "Why Isn't Rosarito a Vacation Destination?" Inherent to the discussion will be the negative aspects of Rosarito.

SDRonni - 3-23-2012 at 11:51 AM

Calafia is closed, some say for reconstruction, some say until someone new buys it. For anyone interested in dining in the Calafia area, Las Olas Grand has opened their restaurant, Los Cristales.
Check out the opening.....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wTbws5eRf7k&feature=share

The food is very good and the view beyond compare! Check out the review on Baja Review if you're in the area. I don't think that paper is online.

We understand how Rosarito may not be a vacation destination for some. We are so happy that it is no longer a vacation destination for us, either, but instead now is our second home!

If you are interested in what is going on in Rosarito, you should sign up for Rosarito Town Crier. They send daily emails of lots of happenings in and around Rosarito.

SDRonni - 3-23-2012 at 11:56 AM

Forgot to mention. Las Olas Grand's Los Cristales has happy hour every night 6-7 two-for-one wine and c-cktails and very good appetizers!
No, I do not have a monetary interest in Los Cristales, other than being a happy customer.....

Living in La Paz...

EnsenadaDr - 3-23-2012 at 12:21 PM

Great to live south of the border...but oh so far from the US...I like border hopping myself!!!
Quote:
Originally posted by LaPazGringo
Quote:
Originally posted by EnsenadaDr
I have just about had it with negativity, if people don't like Baja and want to stay in their own little sterile environment in the United States, then why bother posting here. Its people like these that cause tourism to go down in Mexico. Mexico is a third world country. You have to realize that before you even come here, so if you don't like things that aren't done like the US...don't even bother coming. I love the US for its perks too, but every place has their diamonds and diamonds in the rough.


If it's okay with you, I'll keep living here in La Paz, okay? ;D The specific topic of this discussion is not "what do you love about Rosarito?" It's "Why Isn't Rosarito a Vacation Destination?" Inherent to the discussion will be the negative aspects of Rosarito.

That settles it...

EnsenadaDr - 3-23-2012 at 12:22 PM

La Marina for the weekend...Los Cristales for dinner!! Learned alot of new things here today, as to why Rosarito is STILL a vacation destination, thanks Guys and Gals!!
Quote:
Originally posted by SDRonni
Calafia is closed, some say for reconstruction, some say until someone new buys it. For anyone interested in dining in the Calafia area, Las Olas Grand has opened their restaurant, Los Cristales.
Check out the opening.....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wTbws5eRf7k&feature=share

The food is very good and the view beyond compare! Check out the review on Baja Review if you're in the area. I don't think that paper is online.

We understand how Rosarito may not be a vacation destination for some. We are so happy that it is no longer a vacation destination for us, either, but instead now is our second home!

If you are interested in what is going on in Rosarito, you should sign up for Rosarito Town Crier. They send daily emails of lots of happenings in and around Rosarito.

greengoes - 3-23-2012 at 12:28 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by EnsenadaDr
Mexico is a third world country. You have to realize that before you even come here, so if you don't like things that aren't done like the US...don't even bother coming.


Technically, it is a developing country, not a 3rd world country.

sancho - 3-23-2012 at 12:35 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by EnsenadaDr
I have just about had it with negativity, if people don't like Baja and want to stay in their own little sterile environment in the United States, then why bother posting here.



Barking up the wrong tree,
If you haven't noticed, most/all BN posters are
VERY Pro-Mexico, often to the point of going overboard in the defense Mexico beacuse we all like it, if you think there is negativity
here, try sampling the General US Pop for thier opinion
on Mex

bandido's behind every cactus !!

captkw - 3-23-2012 at 12:39 PM

[Edited on 3-23-2012 by captkw]

third world...

EnsenadaDr - 3-23-2012 at 12:49 PM

Here is a definition I found in the Third World Traveler for Third World Country:
Characteristics:
The underdevelopment of the third world is marked by a number of common traits; distorted and highly dependent economies devoted to producing primary products for the developed world and to provide markets for their finished goods; traditional, rural social structures; high population growth; and widespread poverty. Nevertheless, the third world is sharply differentiated, for it includes countries on various levels of economic development. And despite the poverty of the countryside and the urban shantytowns, the ruling elites of most third world countries are wealthy
Quote:
Originally posted by greengoes
Quote:
Originally posted by EnsenadaDr
Mexico is a third world country. You have to realize that before you even come here, so if you don't like things that aren't done like the US...don't even bother coming.


Technically, it is a developing country, not a 3rd world country.

Woooosh - 3-30-2012 at 10:03 AM

You think four casinos will help Rosarito Tourism? As of yesterday Mayor Robles does. He says their presence "does not look bad". The style of Mexican casinos in Rosarito is a storefront in a strip mall. Not what anyone NOB would associate with a casino that would attract tourism.

http://evolution.reborujo.org/juegos/establecimientos/852-ot...

Grant land use permits to 4 casinos in Rosarito Beach:

Up to 4 casinos could be installed in the municipality of Playas de Rosarito, said Mayor Aguirre Javier Robles, who said that their presence does not look bad, because they are a tourist town and represent an added attraction. He said one of those who want create plans to install a shopping center, which will be a trigger for Rosarito, as it also comes coupled with job creation, as is its construction and operation. "will be installed .... I have no information whether to install or not to install, I know there are some land uses that have already been delivered, they are like 3 or 4, depending on each of the employers, if they have the economic resources to install "said Aguirre Javier Robles added that would be in the northern part of the town center.

Source: Uniradio reports

[Edited on 3-30-2012 by Woooosh]

JoeJustJoe - 3-30-2012 at 11:03 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Woooosh
You are right that you can have a great vacation in Rosarito if you stay at Club Marena or similar accommodations. There are islands of civility and exclusivity in Rosarito, but they do come with a price comparable to SoCal hotels. You can have a great vacation in Jamaica too if you don't leave your Hotel compound. Rosarito is unable to support more upscale hideaways- there are 17 unfinished ones due to lack of demand and their out-of-whack price tags.

My suggestions for Rosarito is to embrace it as the birthplace of the $1 Fish Taco, not $20 deep fried frozen lobster. Let the Guadalupe wine region cater to the higher end foodies and wine gurus where they are already doing a great a job. In this tough economy the downtown tourist area of Rosarito needs it's tourism to be rebuilt from the bottom price rungs up- not from the top down. Make it cheap, make it a value and go for volume, not fleece the few with deeper pockets. Mexican tourists stay at the many decent 250 peso per night motels downtown, not the $250 a night Rosarito Beach Hotel.

btw- Cheap food and drink for all in Vegas went away when "player club" programs were developed in the 90's to reward loyal players based on their tracked play, not just for walking in their door. Drinks are free when you play- but the days of the $1 Prime Rib Buffet loss-leaders are long gone.

(I agree Vincent's is very good. I like the food at La Estancia too, just not eating off metal plates. I buy my fish and clams from a neighbor who catches them right out front of my house. I'd rather eat a Rosarito fresh fish or clam than a piece of Talapia from the Chula Vista Costco that was farm raised with hormones in the polluted aquaculture ponds of Vietnam. I make baked-stuffed clams and deep fry whole fish almost every week. )

[Edited on 3-23-2012 by Woooosh]


Why do you over exaggerate about Rosarito Beach all the time Woooosh?

I just checked "Expedia" and anybody could stay at the Rosarito Beach hotel next weekend for $89 dollars a night. In fact there are many great deals for nice hotels in the Baja area that average less than $100 dollars a night.

The only hotel that approaches that $250 dollar price tag in "Rosarito Beach" is the four start "Las Olas Resort and Spa." And I understand the rooms are luxury condominium, and probably well worth the price.

http://lasolasresortspa.com/

I kinda agree with you on the "make the prices cheap," but I feel the same way every time I visit "Cabo San Lucas" and pay very high food, and espeically drink costs. Sometimes the 'Marina del Rey feel to Cabo is a turn off, because I came to Mexico to get away from the LA environment, and enjoy the slower pace of Mexico including cheap food and drinks.

Woooosh I'm not sure what you mean about the $1 dollar prime rib? If the prime rib was $1 dollar, or the margin of selling prime rib is very small or even negative, but there are still great deals in Las Vegas, and you don't always need a players card to get those great deals. But yes the casino push those "player cards."

My hats off the Greengoes who knows that Mexico is not a 3rd world country. I don't know why Americans always call Mexico a 3rd world country. ( on second thought I do know why)

Mexico is an emerging market, or developing country with a very advanced economy.

Mexico does have 3rd world elements, but if you ever visit a southern state like Mississippi. You'll also see 3rd world elements.

DENNIS - 3-30-2012 at 12:30 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by JoeJustJoe
Mexico is an emerging market, or developing country with a very advanced economy.



How does that work, Joe?? Rosarito is built to service tourism and very few tourists, relative to the recent past, will go there anymore.

SDRonni - 3-30-2012 at 12:42 PM

Joe,

Las Olas Resort and Spa also has a Facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/LasOlasResort

I believe the rental condos go for less than $250/night. They even have vacation ownership deals....partial ownership, but for longer periods than timeshares, I think. My husband and I live there as our second home, and just love it. Some owners rent out their units. We don't because we are there too often. You could check vrbo.com and enter Las Olas Resort and see what comes up.

It is located right next door to Calafia, so is in a great location. The view is to die for and the surroundings are beautiful. The only hassle is that when we want to go north to town for anything, we have to go through the military check point which can get really backed up at times.

The restaurant has really good food, too, and a view that is breathtaking.

Cypress - 3-30-2012 at 01:05 PM

$250/night is a tad high for most tourists. Don't care what it's next door to or what view you're gonna die for. If I'm gonna have to pay $250 a night, I'm gonna have a hard time going to sleep.:tumble:

SDRonni - 3-30-2012 at 01:21 PM

Here is a private owner's unit for rent.....much less than $250/night! No, I have no financial interest in this. It is not my unit. Also, I have not met anyone there who has paid $250/night.

http://www.vrbo.com/368496

This building was designed to be all privately owned, but when the market tanked, the developer opted to set aside a certain number of units for rental. There are still several units for sale.

JoeJustJoe - 3-30-2012 at 02:07 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by SDRonni
Joe,

Las Olas Resort and Spa also has a Facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/LasOlasResort

I believe the rental condos go for less than $250/night. They even have vacation ownership deals....partial ownership, but for longer periods than timeshares, I think. My husband and I live there as our second home, and just love it. Some owners rent out their units. We don't because we are there too often. You could check vrbo.com and enter Las Olas Resort and see what comes up.

It is located right next door to Calafia, so is in a great location. The view is to die for and the surroundings are beautiful. The only hassle is that when we want to go north to town for anything, we have to go through the military check point which can get really backed up at times.

The restaurant has really good food, too, and a view that is breathtaking.


SDRonni you're a lucky person to have such a nice condo to own or visit right on the beach.

Wow, such a nice review taken from that website:



uest: Phil & Carrie (Temecula, CA) Date of Stay: 01/29/11 Review Submitted: 02/27/12

We spent an amazing weekend at "Rosarito Paradise" celebrating a milestone birthday for my husband. Pictures and words can't describe just how beautiful it is, how the air feels or how the sun seems to be "just right" on the balcony. All the comforts of home, except an ocean as your backyard. Once the sliding doors (walls really) are open, the balcony becomes part of the living space. Walls on each side of the balcony, protect it from the wind and offer total privacy. We felt very safe and secure and slept so soundly. The staff were friendly and accomodating, we even found a restaurant that serves anywhere on the property. Happy Hour on the beach, under the umbrella is now one of my favorite memories. Thank you Sophie and Jerry! Owner response:Glad you enjoyed your stay. See you next time.

SFandH - 3-30-2012 at 02:21 PM

I like visiting Rosarito in the summertime, but I'm a daytripper, I haven't stayed overnight in a long time. I especially like the craft stores on the south end of town and an occasional walk through of the Fausto Polanco store is always fun. I've taken Mexico newbies to that store and they're always amazed. Popotla beach is another spot I like to take newbies. Dinner and drinks at El Nido, then back to the border (yuck).

Rosarito will come back if the violence continues to decrease. Hopefully the rebuilding of the border crossing will make the return trip easier.

[Edited on 3-30-2012 by SFandH]

JoeJustJoe - 3-30-2012 at 02:31 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DENNIS
Quote:
Originally posted by JoeJustJoe
Mexico is an emerging market, or developing country with a very advanced economy.



How does that work, Joe?? Rosarito is built to service tourism and very few tourists, relative to the recent past, will go there anymore.


Dennis I didn't know that Rosarito Beach revolved around the gringo tourists from the states. You know Dennis I know many Americans that live or visit Mexico, and they believe the world revolves America, and they get mad if people in Mexico and other foreign destinations don't seem to cater to them.

I thought Rosarito Beach existed for the local Mexican citizen, who live there, and the local Mexican tourist as well as the US tourists who are within driving distance of Rosarito Beach.

If you ask me Rosarito Beach and the rest of Baja has to do a little more to attract the American tourists, but the world doesn't revolve around the gringo and American tourist.

The only thing I like about Rosarito Beach is the beach. I find the town boring. Tijuana is a lot more exciting, and Tijuana has a lot of high end restaurants, and the young people including the Mexican-Americans from the states are going to the nicer clubs in Tijuana than the Rosarito clubs that tried to cater to the American, and Mexican-American crowd, but now no longer go to Rosarito beach, for one reason or another, and because the clubs in Tijuana are now more popular with the young people of Mexican heritage from both sides of the border.

DENNIS - 3-30-2012 at 02:42 PM

Ok, Joe....you tell me then....what do they do in Rosarito for a sustaining economy? The OXXO gas station on the south end of town is the most thriving business there...and you know who owns them...doncha. You think Slim Helu leaves his profit for the enrichment of the community?
When tourism drops, Rosarito turns into a still-life picture. Does that tell you anything at all?

SFandH - 3-30-2012 at 02:46 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by JoeJustJoe
Quote:
Originally posted by DENNIS
Quote:
Originally posted by JoeJustJoe
Mexico is an emerging market, or developing country with a very advanced economy.



How does that work, Joe?? Rosarito is built to service tourism and very few tourists, relative to the recent past, will go there anymore.


Dennis I didn't know that Rosarito Beach revolved around the gringo tourists from the states.


Oh but it does, or did. It was becoming a gringo retirement/second home destination but the recession and drug war killed that.

The only industry in that town is tourism and retail stores that support the residents that work in the tourist industry.

[Edited on 3-30-2012 by SFandH]

Woooosh - 3-30-2012 at 03:04 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DENNIS
Ok, Joe....you tell me then....what do they do in Rosarito for a sustaining economy? The OXXO gas station on the south end of town is the most thriving business there...and you know who owns them...doncha. You think Slim Helu leaves his profit for the enrichment of the community?
When tourism drops, Rosarito turns into a still-life picture. Does that tell you anything at all?


Rosarito has the mega beach party clubs, TJ has the late night clubs. The Rosarito Clubs have more day activities and concerts at night. The TJ clubs are mostly a late-night thing. (I'm not sure you'd want to see the people from the TJ nightclubs under the bright Rosarito sun.) Different things, but both important for tourism.

Mexican tourists are a necessity for Rosarito. They have always been welcome, but not necessarily catered and marketed to. That's good for tourism too. The US tourists have not yet returned to their pre-2008 levels. Mexicans who choose Rosarito and Americans who choose Rosarito are very different types of tourists. By not having a good master plan for the City, they haven't been able to meet the expectations of either group. They have no grand vision. More casino slot shacks won't help tourism- but an Indian Gaming type of destination resort casino certainly could.

The number of storefonts, restaurants and Clubs in the tourist zone has shrunk to meet the current demand. They closed overnight and they can re-open overnight when tourism picks up again.

[Edited on 3-30-2012 by Woooosh]

DENNIS - 3-30-2012 at 03:14 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Woooosh
Mexican tourists are a necessity now for Rosarito. They have always been welcome, but not necessarily catered and marketed to.


That could change with the right effort. The middle class is booming and they don't have mortgages.
I was at Costco this AM and saw fresh Parmesan Cheese, wrapped in wedges, 545 Pesos per kilo.
I know Mexico has their poor, but the step up is a world of difference.

mes1952 - 3-30-2012 at 04:49 PM

Parmesan cheese has been in the Rosarito Walmart since I've lived here 5 months ago so it's not just in Costco.

DENNIS - 3-30-2012 at 05:33 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by mes1952
Parmesan cheese has been in the Rosarito Walmart since I've lived here 5 months ago so it's not just in Costco.


I only mentioned it for it's price and that it's being offered to middle class Mexicans. Is it that high at WalMart?
Maybe I'm just not up with the times and it's a great deal.